County sets $55 million budget, tax levy for 2024

Le Sueur County passed a levy and budget for 2024 at the County Board of Commissioners meeting on Dec. 12.

After breezing through monthly business, the levy and budget section of the meeting was convened after an hour recess.

County Administrator Joe Martin first gave a presentation breaking down user fees, highlighting the increases for the next year. No commentary was given by the public once the floor was opened. On a motion by David Preisler, second by David Gliszinski the user fee changes were unanimously approved.

After another short break, Martin gave a detailed overview of the final proposed levy for 2024 and noted that the county is financially healthy.

“The financial state of the county is good,” Martin noted. “We had a recent bond rating of a double A credit rating issued to the county. The latest audit, which was conducted by Baker Tilly, showed our assets and deferred outflows of resources increasing.”

The final proposed levy was set at $27,167,393. The amount represents a 4.9% increase from last year; however, the percentage was lower than the preliminary levy estimate of 6.5%.

Although it was stated at the beginning of public comments that market values were not to be discussed during public comments, it was at the center of each commenter’s ire during the public portion of the meeting. Public comments on tax rates were to be aired at the county’s Truth in Taxation meeting that was held in June.

“It was pointless for us to be here,” Pam Edel said after...To continue reading this article, pick up a Dec. 21 print edition of the Montgomery Messenger. Subscribe onlin today to not miss any local news in the future!